Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed)

Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed) is a graceful western North American native perennial valued for its clusters of lavender, pinkish-white, and creamy star-shaped flowers, typically borne from early summer into fall. The blooms are rich in nectar and attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinating insects.

Its foliage is equally important. Narrowleaf Milkweed serves as a larval host for both Monarch and Queen butterflies, whose caterpillars feed on milkweed leaves. This dual role – nectar for adults and foliage for developing larvae – makes it especially valuable in butterfly habitat plantings designed to support the complete life cycle.

The flowers rise above slender, upright stems lined with long, narrow, pointed leaves that give the plant a light, airy appearance. In fall, smooth seed pods develop and eventually split open to release seeds attached to silky, silvery-white hairs. The dried pods also add seasonal interest and can be used in dried arrangements.

Adaptable and relatively easy to establish, Narrowleaf Milkweed tolerates heat, drought, and a range of soil types, including clay, provided drainage is adequate. It is particularly well suited to sunny borders, native plant gardens, prairies, meadows, xeric landscapes, and naturalized plantings.

Milkweed plants belong to the Apocynaceae family, which also includes oleander, hoya, plumeria, and the desert rose.

• Grows about 1-3 ft. tall (30-90 cm) and around 12 in. wide (30 cm). It may self-seed if mature seed pods are allowed to split open.
• Thrives in full sun and dry to medium, well-drained soils. It performs well in poor, gravelly, sandy, and clay soils as long as drainage is adequate.
• Drought tolerant once established and well adapted to heat and dry summer conditions.
• Low maintenance and generally trouble-free. It is also deer resistant.
• Excellent for sunny borders, cottage gardens, butterfly gardens, prairies, meadows, and naturalized landscapes.
• Its flowers provide nectar for adult pollinators, while its foliage feeds Monarch and Queen caterpillars.
• Milkweeds contain cardiac glycosides, defensive compounds that can be toxic if ingested in sufficient quantities. Toxicity varies among species, and Narrowleaf Milkweed should not be consumed by people or animals.
• Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses.
• Native to western North America.
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